Cebu City Marriott Hotel

Last July, I had the chance to visit Cebu again as it was my jump off point for my travel to Bohol .   Since I would not have time to visit the more far flung areas of Cebu,  I just chose to stay close to the Ayala Terraces Mall area, which was already quite familiar to me given my previous visit.

Palm Lounge

So I booked an overnight stay at the Cebu City Marriott, which was quite convenient as it was adjacent to the Ayala Terraces Mall.  This hotel property was constructed several years before the Resortsworld Marriott n Metro Manila, yet it doesn't feel that dated compared to its younger sibling.  It is also cheaper around 15% to 20% cheaper than the Manila property.  I think I spent around US$100 for an overnight stay (July 2013).

Yet despite its cheaper price. the difference in ambiance and amenities is hardly noticeable.  The room I stayed in was similar to the rooms I stayed in Marriott properties in Manila, San Diego and San Jose.

After freshening up, it's time to check out the food offerings within the hotel property.

P1200 = $26 for the Prime Rib buffet

Filipinos are avid consumers of meat, so even breakfast consisted of sweetened pork (Tocino) matched with eggs, rice and achara (picked vegetables Pinoy style).  Since I was still stuffed, I just had this ala carte order instead of the breakfast buffet.

Garden Cafe by Marriott entrance

This hotel meal set me back around $13

If you are still  looking good after all that food, you might as well hit the Marriott's swimming pool for a refreshing dip under the sweltering tropical summer sun (April-May)

Yes it's not as grand as the typical Vegas pool, but keep in mind that Cebu province has some of the best beaches this side of the Pacific.

As mentioned earlier, its close proximity to Cebu Ayala Terraces Mall is a major consideration for me. They have a lot of good (and cheaper) dining options here.  There's also a Gaisano supermarket here which has a pasalubong area for all the famous Cebuano delicacies (Broas, dried mangoes, etc)

There's also a nearby Citibank branch within a short 10-15 min walking distance from the hotel.

The only downside for some tourists is that the establishments here close relatively early at around 12 midnight.  So if you are looking for a rockin nightlife, you would have to go elsewhere.

Cebu City Marriott is located along Cardinal Rosales Avenue right next to the Ayala Terraces Mall. Most taxi drivers would know this location.  You can also call them at (632) 411-5800 or visit their website at Marriott.com.

Visita Iglesia

Visita Iglesia -  a Lenten tradition in the predominantly Roman Catholic Philippines during the Semana Santa or Holy Week.  As this is often observed during the month of April, it often serves as the unofficial kick off of the summer season in the Philippines.

It involves visiting 7 churches on Good Friday. So here are some churches you may want to visit if you are in that particular area and wish to do a Visita Iglesia.

1. Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral
Cebu City, Cebu

2. Basilica De San Martin de Tours:
Taal, Batangas

Reportedly the biggest Catholic Church in Asia, it is just a 2.5 to 3.5 hour drive from Metro Manila (depending on traffic conditions)

3. St Augustine Church
Panglao Island, Bohol

*Some of the centuries-old churches of Bohol were destroyed or severely damaged during the 2013 earthquake.  Panglao's St Augustine church was not included in any news articles I researched, so I am assuming it is still intact

4.Church of St Augustine (Paoay)
Paoay, Ilocos

5. Basilica Minore Del Santo Nino
Cebu City, Cebu

It was partially damaged during the October 2013 earthquake, news videos showing its belfry crumbling.  However, even if the main structure is still intact, I am not certain if visitors are allowed to go beyond the courtyard and inside the church due to safety concerns.

these saints watch over the field where the Sinulog is held every January

6. St Pancratius Chapel
Paco Park, Manila

This church (which is actually just a small chapel) is located in Paco Park,  a surprisingly tranquil park right smack in the heart of Manila. However it is usually closed whenever there are no masses or weddings held.  But you can still enjoy the serenity and solitude of Paco Park, which was originally a cemetery during the Spanish colonial period.

...and finally...

7. Manila Cathedral
Intramuros, Manila

The symbolic headquarters of  Roman Catholicism in the Philippines, this was closed for quite some time due to renovation work.  The good news is that it recently re opened last week,

Manila Cathedral under renovation (October 2013)

Philippine Summer 2014 Part II

The previous blog post covered mostly beach areas in the the island areas of the Philippines.  So for this one, we will focus more on areas near Metro Manila, where majority of the Philippine population reside.  Metro Manila is also where the main international airport of the Philippines is located: the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

So if you do are based in Metro Manila, you can still beat the summer heat by just chilling at some
Metro Manila hotels with nice swimming pools.

Hotel Sofitel

Marriott Resortsworld

Or head to the nearby provinces which are just  2 to 3 hours (depending on traffic conditions) from Metro Manila.

Cintai Corito's Garden Resort

Cintai Corito is one of the newer resorts in Batangas, south of Manila.  It is located in Balete, Batangas  easily accessible via the STAR tollway.

I was there last July and though I am more of a beach bum, I still was delighted by their swimming pools.  It was not that crowded that day though as it was a June weekday, which was already after the Philippine summer season.

Anyway, that's it for now. Stay cool this summer if you are in the Philippines.